If you have Ritz or Wolf Camera near you, they probably stock them (the one in Oglethorpe Mall here in Savannah does). Best Buy is only stocking the entry level models (A230, A330), at least for right this minute.

Great. Looks like A550 is a very nice entry-level camera, fast live view, fps, high ISO, etc. The prices are bit high though. In 6 months when prices are about D5000 level, this would be the best entry-level model from Sony, far better than A220/A330/A380 models that Sony should retire, and replace them with just A500/A550 as the entry level models.

The entry level models are smaller, lighter, and less expensive. ;-) You can buy the A230 for around $429.99 right now including a kit lens at some reputable online vendors. The entry level models are targeting users moving up from a point and shoot model, and they may not need or care about all of the features on a higher end model, especially if they're on a limited budget.

True. But, personally, I don't ever use those features. So, it wouldn't make any difference to me. Using Aperture Priority and spinning the control wheel accomplishes the same thing as using Program Shift in P mode anyway (you're just stepping through available combinations of aperture/shutter speed for correct exposure as the camera is metering it either way). ;-)

The entry level models are smaller, lighter, and less expensive. ;-) You can buy the A230 for around $429.99 right now including a kit lens at some reputable online vendors. The entry level models are targeting users moving up from a point and shoot model, and they may not need or care about all of the features on a higher end model, especially if they're on a limited budget.

What all of the features on a higher end model?

A5xx has perfect features for people moving up from p&s.

As for price, Sony should drop prices. Make A500 $500 and A550 $650 (and get rid of lower models).

True. But, personally, I don't ever use those features. So, it wouldn't make any difference to me. Using Aperture Priority and spinning the control wheel accomplishes the same thing as using Program Shift in P mode anyway (you're just stepping through available combinations of aperture/shutter speed for correct exposure as the camera is metering it either way). ;-)

Yea, the program shift, i personally would not use either, as I am in aperture priority 99% of the time as well. The dof preview i do use from time to time.

not a deal breaker for most, just found it an odd exclusion for this tier.